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The XC Cobra started life as another of Ford Australia's marketing ploys. With sales of the XC Hardtop continuing to drop Ford were concerned that they would be stuck with a large quantity of body shells and parts when the XC was phased out and the all new XD Falcon was introduced late in 1978.
The total sales of XC Hardtops in 1977 was only a pitiful 913. Ford had over 500 of these complete kits left to sell in less than 6 months. Ford expected that about 100 of these would be sold based on there historical sales figures but that still left 400.
At the time, a young American was working at the post of Assistant Managing Director under Sir Brian Inglis. This young executive suggested that the body shells be assembled and sold as the "Cobra". It is rumored that this idea didn't sit will with the other executives and the idea was rejected until a memo came back from Ford Head Office stating that if Edsel Ford II had suggested a Cobra, then a Cobra it shall be.
Using a loophole in the racing homologation requirements at the time Ford were able to produce a limited number of 30 special vehicles - #2 - #31. These had all the additional options that the race drivers wanted on the cars including additional reinforcements and braces, Scheel racing seats, transmission oil cooler, electric radiator fan and a heavy-duty radiator. They were identified at the time by the reverse cowl hood scoop.
Cobra #32 - 200 and #351 were fitted with a 351 Cleveland and came with a choice of automatic or 4 speed transmissions and the option of Air Conditioning, power steering and power windows.
Cobra #201 - #400 (with the exception of #351) and #1 were fitted with a 302 Cleveland and came with a choice of automatic or 4 speed transmissions and the option of Air Conditioning, power steering and power windows.
The Cobra was only available in White with blue stripes. The cars were painted blue first and then had the white overlaid. They all sported their individual number on the glove compartment door.
Identifying an XC Cobra
As these cars have increased in value, these pointers are for visual recognition only and we would encourage you to have a complete inspection and verification completed before purchasing one.
- Their VIN numbers were all sequential JG65UM00001K - JG65UM00400K.
- Paint code must be Z605 and Trim code of B
- Contact Ford Australia with the VIN and they should confirm the options that the car was fitted with.
It has now been 26 years since the XC was released so these features are used as a general indication only. A lot of cars have been modified over time.
Price guide
As with any collectable vehicle prices vary wildly depending on rarity, factory options, condition etc. The below guide reflects conditions 5/10 - 10/10 and are based on sales prices that would not include shipping and other associated costs in getting a vehicle to the USA.
| XC Cobra #2 - #31 |
U$40,000 - U$70,000 |
| XC Cobra #32 - #200 + #351 |
U$30,000 - U$60,000 |
| XC Cobra #201 - #400 + #1 |
U$25,000 - U$50,000 |
Cobras at the Ford Australia 75th Anniversary (above)
Interested in obtaining an XC Cobra?
With the exception of #2 - #31 these cars didn't appreciate very rapidly. Then Ford Australia celebrated their 75th Anniversary and the Cobra celebrated it's 25th Birthday and the prices seemed to start skyrocketing. There are very few of these in the USA and even less in the UK so dare to be different and invest in Cobra!
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